Insulated container including ultraviolet and/or infrared blocking films

ABSTRACT

An insulated container having a protective film for reducing the penetration of infrared or ultraviolet rays into the insulated container, and/or improving insulation characteristics of the insulated container. In an embodiment, the film is provided inside a void between an inner liner and an exterior shell for the insulated container.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/747,513, filed May 17, 2006, and incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to insulated containers, and more specifically relates to insulating characteristics of an insulated container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Insulated containers, also called “coolers,” are prevalent in contemporary life. Insulated containers are often used for picnics or for outdoor activities such as camping or sporting events. In addition, insulated containers are becoming more prevalent in the medical industry, where the containers are used to move transplant organs and other articles that need to remain cold during transport. Also, the need to transport commercial goods such as perishable food, drink, medicine, and environmental samples is becoming more important.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description of some embodiments that are presented later.

In accordance with an embodiment, an insulated container is provided having a protective film for blocking ultraviolet rays. The protective film may also block or reduce infrared rays and/or slow heat transfer from outside the insulated container to the inside. In an embodiment, the film is provided inside a void between an inner liner and an exterior shell for the insulated container.

In accordance with an embodiment, an insulated panel is included as part of the insulation for the container. The ultraviolet blocking film is applied on one or both faces of the insulated panel. The insulated panel may extend, for example, around all the sides of the insulated container. Similar panels may be included in the lid or the bottom of the insulated container.

Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of an insulated container in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 2 is a representation of a side view of an insulated panel that may be used in the insulated container of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows an insulated container 20 in accordance with an embodiment. The insulated container 20 shown in the drawings is a conventional insulated container, sometimes called a “cooler” or a “box cooler,” but aspects of the invention may be used on any type of insulated container, including insulated beverage jugs, thermoelectric coolers, and other insulated products.

The insulated container 20 shown in the drawings includes sidewalls 22 and a bottom 24. A lid 26 is positioned at the top of the insulated container 20 and closes an opening formed along the top edge of the sidewalls 22.

The insulated container 20 includes an inner liner 27 and an exterior shell 28. The liner 27 and the exterior shell 28 may be, for example, blow molded or otherwise formed so as to create desired interior and exterior shapes. The liner 27 and the exterior shell 28 may be formed of suitable materials, such as plastic or metal. The lid 26 may be formed in a similar manner.

In conventional coolers, the space or void between the liner 27 and the exterior shell 28 is typically filled with an insulating material. The insulating material typically is expanded into the void. As an example, polyurethane foam may be may be allowed to expand into the space between the liner 27 and the exterior shell 28.

In accordance with an embodiment, a panel 30 is mounted in the void between the exterior shell 28 and the liner 27. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the panel 30 is positioned against the liner 27 and the panel, or panels similar to the panel, extend around the perimeter of the insulated container 20, for example around all sidewalls 22 of the insulated container. However, in alternate embodiments, a panel such as the panel 30 may additionally or alternatively be provided at the bottom 24, in the lid 26, against the exterior shell 28, only along a portion of the sidewalls 22, sandwiched between foam layers that are formed between the exterior shell 28 and the liner 27, or in other suitable locations.

The panel 30 has an advantage in that it allows part of the void between the exterior shell 28 and the liner 27 to be filled prior to expanding another insulating material in the void. In this manner, the expanded insulating material may not have to be as thick, and thus the expanded material may be more stable. For example, if polyurethane is expanded to fill the void and act as an insulator, the polyurethane may not be stable beyond a certain thickness. By installing the panel 30 in the void prior to expansion of the polyurethane, the polyurethane does not have to be as thick to fill the void. Thus, by using the panel 30, the total thickness of the sidewalls 22 of the insulated container 20 may be increased without risking stability of the insulating material.

The panel 30 is preferably formed of an insulating material. In an embodiment, the panel 30 is formed of polyisocyanurate foam, expanded polystyrene (EPS), or other suitable materials.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the panel 30 includes a first face 34, a second face 36, and side edges 38. In an embodiment, a film is provided on one or both of the first and second faces 34, 36. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, a film 40 is placed on the first face 34, and a film 42 is placed on the second face 36.

In an embodiment, the films 40, 42 provide an ultraviolet blocking function. The films 40, 42 may additionally or alternatively block or reduce infrared rays. The films 40, 42 may also slow heat transfer from outside the insulated container 20 to the inside of the insulated container.

The films 40, 42 may be, for example, aluminum film (e.g., aluminum foil), Mylar film, aluminized polyethylene, or another suitable film. Film may be placed on either or both faces of the panels 30. Utilizing a film 40, 42 on both faces 34, 36 of the panel 30 enhances the ultraviolet and infrared blocking effect of the insulated container 20, and the insulating characteristics provided by the film.

By reducing the penetration of ultraviolet and/or infrared rays into the insulated container 20, it is believed that the insulating characteristics of the container are enhanced. If desired, such a film may be used without a panel 30, for example by applying the film on the inside or outside of the liner 27 or the inside of the exterior shell 28.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

1. An insulated container, comprising: an inner liner; an exterior shell; and a protective film positioned between the inner liner and the exterior shell, the film providing at least partial blocking of ultraviolet rays.
 2. The insulated container of claim 1, further comprising at least one panel mounted between the exterior shell and the liner, said at least one panel comprising first and second faces facing the exterior shell and the liner, respectively, and wherein the protective film is attached to at least one of the first and second faces of said at least one panel.
 3. The insulated container of claim 2, wherein said at least one panel is positioned against the inner liner.
 4. The insulated container of claim 2, wherein said at least one panel extends around a perimeter of the liner.
 5. The insulated container of claim 2, further comprising expanded insulation between the panel and at least one of the exterior shell and the liner.
 6. The insulated container of claim 5, wherein the expanded insulation extends between the panel and the exterior shell and between the panel and the liner.
 7. The insulated container of claim 2, wherein the protective film is attached on both of the first and second faces.
 8. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the film comprises at least one of aluminum film, Mylar film, and aluminized polyethylene.
 9. An insulated container, comprising: an inner liner; an exterior shell; and a protective film positioned between the inner liner and the exterior shell, the film providing at least partial blocking of infrared rays.
 10. The insulated container of claim 9, further comprising at least one panel mounted between the exterior shell and the liner, said at least one panel comprising first and second faces facing the exterior shell and the liner, respectively, and wherein the protective film is attached to at least one of the first and second faces of said at least one panel.
 11. The insulated container of claim 10, wherein said at least one panel is positioned against the inner liner.
 12. The insulated container of claim 10, wherein said at least one panel extends around a perimeter of the liner.
 13. The insulated container of claim 10, further comprising expanded insulation between the panel and at least one of the exterior shell and the liner.
 14. The insulated container of claim 13, wherein the expanded insulation extends between the panel and the exterior shell and between the panel and the liner.
 15. The insulated container of claim 10, wherein the protective film is attached on both of the first and second faces.
 16. The insulated container of claim 9, wherein the film comprises at least one of aluminum film, Mylar film, and aluminized polyethylene.
 17. An insulated container, comprising: an inner liner; an exterior shell; and a protective film positioned between the inner liner and the exterior shell, the film slowing heat transfer from the exterior shell to the inner liner.
 18. The insulated container of claim 17, further comprising at least one panel mounted between the exterior shell and the liner, said at least one panel comprising first and second faces facing the exterior shell and the liner, respectively, and wherein the protective film is attached to at least one of the first and second faces of said at least one panel.
 19. The insulated container of claim 18, wherein said at least one panel is positioned against the inner liner.
 20. The insulated container of claim 18, wherein said at least one panel extends around a perimeter of the liner.
 21. The insulated container of claim 18, further comprising expanded insulation between the panel and at least one of the exterior shell and the liner.
 22. The insulated container of claim 21, wherein the expanded insulation extends between the panel and the exterior shell and between the panel and the liner.
 23. The insulated container of claim 18, wherein the protective film is attached on both of the first and second faces.
 24. The insulated container of claim 17, wherein the film comprises at least one of aluminum film, Mylar film, and aluminized polyethylene. 